Natural gas is one of the most important energy sources in the world today. It is the most readily available hydrocarbon source with the lowest air pollution potential. Already, approximately 30% of the world’s energy demand is met with natural gas. The majority of the gas is delivered via pipelines to local markets. However, liquefied natural gas (LNG) is playing an increasing important role in the world’s gas supply. This clean, alternative source of energy has the advantage of flexibility – it can be transported to any location worldwide without needing a fixed pipeline infrastructure.

In order to liquefy natural gas, it must be cooled to cryogenic temperatures of approximately -160°C. Under these conditions, the gas can be transported by cargo ships or road trucks as its volume occupies only 1/600 of the gaseous volume at atmospheric pressure.

Core competencies

Natural gas typically contains a mixture of methane and heavier hydrocarbons as well as nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and other unwanted components. Such components must be partly removed prior to liquefaction in order to fulfil consumer requirements or avoid solidification during liquefaction. This involves processes like adsorption, absorption, and cryogenic separation – all of which are core competencies of Linde Engineering.

We offer a wide range of tailor-made liquefaction processes supporting the whole range of applications and capacities:

As a supplier of cryogenic equipment, we combine both process and key equipment engineering know-how. In addition, we are the only supplier worldwide to deliver plate-fin and coil-wound heat exchangers, which form the core of many LNG plants.